Denver Nuggets vs. Philadelphia 76ers Prediction 2/8/19

Denver Nuggets (37-17 SU, 29-25 ATS) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (34-20 SU, 25-29 ATS)
When: Friday, February 8th, 2019 – 7:00 PM ET
Where: Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
TV: TSN

Point Spread: PHI +4.5 / PHI -4.5 (Bookmaker)
Total: 228.5

Power Rankings: Philadelphia +5

Takeaways from Denver and Philadelphia’s Most Recent Games

The Nuggets enter into this contest on a two-game losing streak capped off most recently by a loss in Brooklyn on Wednesday where they fell victim to an upset. The Nuggets were favored by three points, but the Nets had other ideas defeating them 135-130.

The 76ers also enter on a two-game skid. In their most recent outing, Philadelphia fell at home to the Toronto Raptors where they were defeated 119-107 despite closing as a two-point favorite.

How the Public is Betting the Denver-Philadelphia Game

At the time this article was written (Friday morning), there have been no line movements that have occurred in either Point Spread or Over/Under markets.

The Historicals

These two teams last met just under two weeks ago in the Mile High City when Denver hosted Philadelphia and defeated them 126-110. The Nuggets covered with ease closing as a 10.5-point favorite.

Injury Concerns

The most noteworthy injury concerns lie with the Nuggets as they will be without Point Guard Isaiah Thomas due to his recovering from hip surgery. IT is expected back letter this month. Forward Paul Millsap remains questionable as he battles soreness in his ankle.

Rest Concerns and Advantages

For Denver, this is their last road game on a four-game stint before returning home to finish off with two contests against Miami and Sacramento before the All-Star break. Philadelphia has been home since Tuesday when they faced the Raptors. The Sixers are presently enjoying a four-game home-stand until they head to the Big Apple on Wednesday to finish off against arch rival New York before they head into their All-Star break. Between the two teams, the Sixers have had an extra day of rest to prepare.

Can Denver’s Defense Get The Win?

The Nuggets are the best team in the NBA in defensive rebounding as they give up just 41.7 boards per game to opponents. This can be disconcerting for Philadelphia who sits as a top-four outfit in offensive rebounding (47.1 boards per outing), as they will no longer have the ability to outmuscle their opponents as they like to. In addition to their defensive proficiency, the Nuggets also commit fewer turnovers and own the deeper bench compared to their 76ers. Denver’s bench scores 39.1 points per game while Philadelphia’s bench averages 33.3 points per contest. If their recent meeting could serve as any barometer of what to expect, the Nuggets may now be in a position to pull an upset.

Can Philadelphia Use Home Court To Get The Win?

In the City of Brotherly Love, the Sixers remain a tough out as they are 21-6 SU on their own court. Denver has played only .500 basketball on the road (14-13 SU in Away Games) despite owning one of the better records in the Western Conference. The Sixers produce the fourth-best scoring offense in the NBA as they average 115.3 points per game. They have their hands full against a Denver defense that is one of the better units in the league as they give up a sixth-ranked 107.1 points per game. Contrarily, Philadelphia will need their offense to put up some points as the Sixers defense gives up a 21st ranked 112.1 points per game.

Betting Trends

Overall, the Sixers still remain a cash cow against the Nuggets as of late. Philadelphia has produced a highly-profitable 7-2-1 ATS record in the last ten contests between both parties.

Keith’s Pick to Cover the Spread: Denver +4.5

Other books would suggest that the Nuggets are supremely undervalued here despite Philadelphia having an extra day to prepare for this contest along with home court working in the favor. We would have to conquer with those books. The Sixers were bulled by Denver in the paint in the last meeting between them as they were outrebounded 51-41. As a result of this, the Nuggets took the Sixers wire-to-gate and defeated them by nearly 20 points. Once Denver was in command, Philadelphia had no response. However, takers will place stock in the fact Denver is on the road and Philly’s overall strong portfolio of wins on their own court. However, all that does is position bettors to give away points if they were to back the Sixers here. The dominant performance by the Nuggets in the last meeting would suggest that regardless of the location we are getting the better team at the better price and that is how we will play it. For those that feel bold, Denver may be worth a look on the Money Line here at +175 as an “upset” could be looming.